A Christmas Carol; Or, The Miser's Warning!

Boy. (Without.) Why, Christmas Day!

Scr. Ah! I haven't missed it! Glorious! I say – go to the poulterer's round the corner, and buy the prize turkey for me!

Boy. (Without.) Wal-ker!

Scr. Tell 'em to send it, and I'll give you half a crown. He's off like a shot! I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's. How astonished he'll be. (Coming down.) I'll write a cheque for that society that they called on me about yesterday. Oh, I'll make every one happy, and myself, too! (Knocks heard without.) That must be the turkey! (Opens door.) As I live, it's Bob Cratchit!

Enter Bob Cratchit, 2 e. l. h

Bob. Excuse my calling, sir, but the fact is, I couldn't help it. That worthy gentleman, your nephew, is ruined. I said, ruined, sir —

Scr. I'm glad of it!

Bob. Glad of it! There's an unnatural cannibal!

Enter Frank, 2 e. l. h

Frank. Oh uncle, you know all! I come not to ask your assistance – that would be madness – but I come to bid you farewell. In three days' time, with my unfortunate family, I shall quit England.

Scr. No, you shan't. You shall stay where you are!

Frank. You mock me!

Scr. I say you shall stay where you are! (Writes at table.) There's a cheque for present use – to-morrow I will see how I can make up your losses, and at my death you shall inherit all my wealth – but I don't mean to die yet, you dog!

Frank. This generosity —

Scr. No thanks. I'll dine with you to-day, Frank – and as for you, Bob, Tiny Tim shall be my care, and your salary's trebled from this hour.

Bob. Oh, this can't be my master! Oh, I'm quite sure it must be somebody else. Yes – it is him, too! He must have gone mad! I've a great mind to knock him down with the ruler, and get Mr. Frank to help me to fit him on a strait waistcoat! Well, I never!

Scr. A merry Christmas, Frank – a merry Christmas, Bob – and it shall be a merry one. I have awoke a better man than I fell asleep. So may it be with all of us! Oh, may my day dreams prove as happy as my night ones? (As he speaks, the gauze medium is lit up behind, and the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas to Come, with the other characters in the Miser's dream, are seen in separate groups.) Their remembrance haunts me still. Oh, my friends – forgive but my past, you will make happy my present, and inspire me with hope for the future!

THE CURTAIN FALLS